System and method for a wireless ringer function

ABSTRACT

A system and method for extending alerts for a wireless device. A media player equipped with a wireless ringer is linked with a media player through a wireless connection. Playback of media content on the media player is interrupted to play an alert in response to the wireless ringer receiving an indication of an incoming communication from the wireless device. The alert is played on the media player in response to interrupting playback of the media content in order to inform a user of the incoming communication.

BACKGROUND

The use of wireless devices has grown nearly exponentially in recentyears. The growth is fueled by improved technologies and wirelesscommunication protocols. Despite the advancement in technology, somecommunication problems still remain and other new problems have beencreated.

In many cases, wireless devices, such as cell phones, personal digitalassistants (PDA), and Blackberry® devices, are quite small. Thesewireless devices may be very expensive and store large quantities ofimportant information. As a result, the wireless device is frequentlystowed in a pocket, backpack purse, luggage, or other bags or personalbelonging carriers. In other situations, the clothing or accessories ofthe wireless user may not accommodate carrying the wireless device on aclip or in a pocket. Consequently, many times the wireless user may beunable to determine when a message is being received by the wirelessdevice. This may occur because of the location or distance between thewireless user and the wireless device. For example, if the user is in anairport, the user may not be able to hear a cell phone ringing when itis stowed in the user's luggage. In another example, a majority of womenlike to keep cell phones in handbags or purses despite the fact thatthey miss calls approximately fifty percent of the time.

Additionally, the audio, visual, and tactile systems used by thewireless device to alert the user of incoming calls, text messages, oremails are quite limited resulting in many missed calls andcommunication frustration. For example, the user may have set the deviceto vibrate only and may not feel the vibrations even within a carrier,such as a purse. In any case, a user may be reluctant to place awireless device in a more secure location for fear that incomingcommunications may be missed. The user may also feel the need to leave acarrier, such as a purse, open to be able to hear the wireless device,thereby exposing the wireless device and other personal items to theft,inadvertent loss, or exposure to the elements.

SUMMARY

To provide a way of alerting a user of incoming communication from awireless device, a system and method for a remote wireless ringer may beused. One embodiment includes a system and method for extending alertsfor a wireless device. A media player equipped with a wireless ringermay be linked with a media player through a wireless connection.Playback of media content on the media player may be interrupted to playan alert in response to the wireless ringer receiving an indication ofan incoming communication from the wireless device. Playback is the actof playing, displaying, or otherwise representing the media content tothe user. The alert may be played on the media player in response tointerrupting playback of the media content in order to inform a user ofthe incoming communication.

Another embodiment provides a media player. The media player may includea transceiver configured to establish a wireless connection with awireless device. The media player may also include a memory configuredto store multiple alerts and user preferences. The media player may alsoinclude a speaker configured to play one of the multiple alerts. Themultiple alerts inform a user of the incoming communication in order toallow the user to access the wireless device to respond to the incomingcommunication. The media player may also include a vibrator configuredto vibrate as one of the multiple alerts. The media player may alsoinclude a text display configured to visually display the multiplealerts.

Yet another embodiment includes a media player. The media player mayinclude a processor for executing a set of instructions. The mediaplayer may also include a memory for storing the set of instructions.The set of instructions may perform a wireless ringer function to linkthe media player and a wireless device through a wireless connection,interrupt playback of media content on the media player to play an alertin response to receiving an indication of an incoming communication fromthe wireless device, and play the alert on the media player in responseto interrupting playback of the media content in order for a user toaccess the wireless device to respond to the incoming communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of a wireless ringer environment inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of a media player with an integratedwireless ringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a music player in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a bracelet embedded with a wirelessringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of an earring embedded with a wirelessringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of a pair of glasses embedded with awireless ringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of a headset and wireless ringer card inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a wireless ringer in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for using a wireless ringer inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for implementing communication usinga wireless ringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a systemand method for a remote wireless ringer. The remote wireless ringer maybe used to alert a user that an incoming communication is being receivedby a wireless device. In particular, the wireless ringer may indicatethat a call, text message, email, or other communication is beingreceived by the wireless device. The illustrative embodiments areparticularly useful for a user that may have the wireless device storedin a purse, briefcase, or luggage so that the user is unable to hear,feel, or otherwise sense the ringing mechanism of the wireless device.

The wireless ringer and wireless device communicate using a wirelessconnection. The user may position the wireless ringer so that the usermay be informed that the wireless device is ringing even when thewireless device is stored or otherwise secured. In one embodiment, thewireless ringer includes a speaker for outputting an alert indicatingthat the wireless device is receiving an incoming communication.Alternatively, the wireless ringer may include a light-emitting diode(LED), vibrator, or text display for indicating that communication isbeing received by the wireless device. The user may set and storepreferences for receiving the alert. The wireless ringer may also playan alarm or alert the user when the wireless connection between thewireless devices is severed because of distance limitations, batterypower, or other interference.

In one embodiment, the remote wireless ringer may be a decorativeattachment for a purse or belt. The remote wireless ringer may also beintegrated with a music player, ear buds, headset or other electronicdevices. For example, the remote wireless ringer may be a card that isinserted into an mp3 player when the user is listening to music and maybe unable to hear an incoming call on a cell phone. In anotherembodiment, the remote wireless ringer may be embedded, integrated,connected, or otherwise attached to jewelry or personal items, such as aring, glasses, necklace, earrings, bracelet, wallet, or other personalaccessories or effects. The different embodiments of the remote wirelessringer allow a user to select a remote notification device mostappropriate for their lifestyle.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of a wireless ringer environment inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The wireless ringerenvironment 100 may include numerous elements including a user 102, awireless device 104, a wireless ringer 106, and carriers 108 and 110. Inone embodiment, the user 102 has secured the wireless device 104 in thecarrier 108 in order to ensure the wireless device is not stolen orinadvertently lost.

The carrier 108 may be any storage device used to store and carrypersonal belongings. For example, the carrier 108 may be a briefcase,luggage, attaché, purse, laptop bag, or other carrier. The carrier 110may also be any type of carrier suitable for storing and carrying itemsincluding belongings of the user. The wireless device 104 may be storedin either carrier 108 or 110. In particular, many female users of thewireless device 104 may securely place the wireless device 104 in apurse.

The wireless ringer 106 may be a remote ringer device used to indicatethat a communication is incoming to the wireless device 104. In oneembodiment, the wireless device 104 and wireless ringer 106 communicatethrough a wireless connection 112. The wireless connection 112 may be acommunication link or session suitable for communicating controlsignals, exchanging data, or conveying commands between the wirelessdevice 104 and wireless ringer 106. The wireless connection may beestablished in any number of ways as described in FIGS. 9 and 10.

In one embodiment, the wireless connection 112 is a Bluetooth® or WiFi®connection. However, the wireless connection 112 may be any low-powerradio signal suitable for wirelessly linking devices wirelessly forcommunication without requiring excessive power from the wireless ringer106 and wireless device 104. The wireless connection 112 may beestablished automatically or be based on user input and programming. Asshown, when the wireless device 104 is stored in the carrier 108, theuser 102 may be unable to hear a ring tone or other alert played orotherwise implemented by the wireless device 104 intended to inform theuser 102 that a call or other communication is incoming.

In one embodiment, the wireless device 104 may be a cellular phone.However, the wireless device 104 may be a mobile phone, personal digitalassistant, personal computer, pager, Blackberry®, or other data or voicecommunication device suitable for wireless communication. The wirelessdevice 104 may incorporate various hardware, firmware, or software forenabling communication and functionality between the wireless device 104and the wireless ringer 106. In another embodiment, the wireless device104 may include the hardware and software of the wireless ringer 106 forenabling communication and the features and methods herein described.

In one embodiment, the wireless device 104 may include logic forspecifying how and when the user prefers to use the wireless ringer 106.Additionally, the wireless device may include a specialized transceiverfor sending and receiving data and other information through thewireless connection 112. The wireless device 104 may also include aspecialized instruction set or program that may be executed to operateor communicate with the wireless ringer 106.

A separation or proximity alarm may play or be activated for both thewireless device 104 and the wireless ringer 106 when separated by athreshold distance. The preferences for the wireless ringer 106 may beset using a user interface of the wireless device 104 and thentransmitted to the wireless ringer 106 for implementation. For example,the user 102 may program the functionality of the wireless ringer 106using a software interface that is stored and executed by the wirelessdevice 104. Once the programming or user preferences are set, the codeor instructions for operation of the wireless ringer 106 may be sent tothe wireless ringer 106 by a synchronization module of the wirelessdevice 104. The synchronization module may work in conjunction with thewireless connection 112 to synchronize data, instructions, applications,communications protocols, ring tones, or other information between thetwo devices.

Software updates and configurations may be downloaded to the wirelessdevice 104 and then synchronized with the wireless ringer 106 based onthe synchronization module. Alternatively, the updates and preferencesmay be downloaded directly to the wireless ringer 106 or synchronizedusing a wireless or hardware interface of the wireless ringer 106 forwirelessly receiving data from a personal computer, wireless network orother computing device or through a port of the wireless ringer 106.

The user 102 may position the wireless ringer 106 so that even if theuser is unable to hear or receive a communication alert from thewireless device 104, the user may be able to hear, sense, or feel analert from the wireless ringer 106 indicating that communication isincoming to the wireless device 104 as described in FIG. 2. The wirelessringer 106 may be or include a clip, strap, pin, magnet, suction cup,implant, sunglasses, belt buckle, article of clothing, arm band,jewelry, eyeglass attachment, hat, adhesive device, device that sitsinside the outer ear, Velcro, or other mechanism for fastening thewireless ringer 106 to a carrier 110 or to the user's person orclothing. The user's person as used herein refers to the body of theuser, personal belongings or accessories and the user's clothing.

As shown, the carrier 110 may be a purse and the wireless ringer 106 maytake the shape and/or appearance of an adornment, decoration, oraccessory to the carrier 110. For example, the wireless ringer 106 maybe a gem-embedded decoration in the form of a star. The wireless ringer106 may appear to be integrated with the decorations or functions of thepurse or may be appear to be an add-on. In another embodiment, thewireless ringer 106 may have an exterior shape in the form of a coin ortoken to be carried in the pocket of the user 102.

The user 102 may also establish an alert used by the wireless ringer 106to indicate that a call is incoming to the wireless device 104. In oneembodiment, the wireless ringer 106 and the wireless device 104 maysynchronize a specified alert as selected by the user 102 using thewireless device 104 through the wireless connection 112. For example,the user 102 may have established a default ring tone for the wirelessdevice 104 which may also be used by the wireless ringer 106 to indicatethat a call or other communication is incoming.

The wireless ringer 106 may use any number of default alerts or maydownload or retrieve alerts from the wireless device 104 for uniformityand easy recognition of incoming communications. As a result, thewireless ringer 106 may play a different alert based on the type ofcommunication that is being received by the wireless device 104. Forexample, the user 102 may have specified that the wireless device 104plays a custom ring tone for incoming voice calls, a simple beep fortext messages, a series of beeps and a flashing LED for text messages,and tone and vibration for email messages. The alerts played by thewireless device 104 may be similarly played by the wireless ringer 106so that the user 102 may efficiently determine the type of communicationthat is incoming in order to determine whether to remove the wirelessdevice 104 from the carrier 108 or to wait until later to access thewireless device 104 to retrieve or answer the incoming communication.

The user 102 may also specify any number of alerts that are used toindicate communication is incoming to the wireless device 104. Forexample, the wireless ringer 106 may be programmed or set to play asingle ring tone for all incoming messages. Alternatively, the wirelessringer may use different types of alerts for the different types ofcommunications. For example, when an incoming voice call is received bythe wireless device 104, the wireless ringer may flash the number of thecalling party and play a custom ring tone linked with the calling party.Similarly, the wireless ringer 106 may be set to vibrate and flash alight-emitting diode (LED), administer a minor electrical shock displaytext, project a message, or activate a perimeter light to alert the user102 of an incoming email or text message.

The wireless ringer 106 may also play a separation alarm or alert to theuser 102 when the wireless connection 112 with the wireless device 104is severed because of distance limitations, battery power, or otherinterference. The separation alarm indicates that the wireless ringer106 is not within a specified distance threshold of the wireless device104. For example, if the wireless ringer 106 is separated from thewireless device 104 by a distance of more than thirty feet, the wirelessringer 106 and/or the wireless device 104 may play the separation alarm.

The separation alarm may be used for security purposes to help the userknow the position or location of the wireless device 104 at all times.The separation alarm may indicate to the user 102 that a laptop bag withimportant data used to store the wireless device 104 is no longer withina threshold distance of the wireless ringer 106. As a result, thewireless ringer 106 may operate as a security mechanism for the wirelessdevice 104 and the corresponding carrier 108. For example, a user thataccidentally forgets the wireless device 104 or the carrier 108 whilegoing through security in an airport may be alerted that the wirelessdevice 104 may be lost or stolen.

The separation alarm may be set to incrementally become more active oruse different alert mechanisms of the wireless ringer 106 based ondistance. For example, the separation alarm may begin subtly by flashingan LED when separated by ten feet and may playa piercing alarm when thedistance exceeds forty feet or if the wireless connection 112 issevered. The user 102 may establish one or more alarms and associatedthreshold distances to guide the user back to a lost wireless device 104based on a scaled alert system that changes in frequency, intensity, ortone. In one embodiment, the wireless ringer 106 may provide directionalinformation for locating the wireless device 104, such as distance anddirection based on the signal strength and other signal information. Thewireless ringer 106 may play, display, or otherwise activate theseparation alarm through a device to which the wireless ringer 106 isattached, inserted, embedded, or connected. For example, if the wirelessringer 106 is inserted into a pair of headphones, the separation alertmay be played through the headphones when the wireless ringer 106 andwireless device 104 are separated.

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of a media player with an integratedwireless ringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The mediaplayer is a device for playing, displaying, The media player may be avideo, DVD, mp3 player, or other similar electronic device. For purposesof illustration, the media player is referred as the music player 200.The music player 200 of FIG. 2 is a music player connected to orintegrated with a wireless ringer or wireless ringer functionalitysimilar to the wireless ringer 106 of FIG. 1. The music player 200 mayinclude various elements including an LED 202, a touch screen 204, and aspeaker 206.

In one embodiment, the music player 200 may be an mp3 player. However,the music player 200 may be any device suitable for playing music andstoring files and information. The songs, data, files, information,operating system, and other electronic data of the music player 200 maybe stored internally, received through a wired or wireless network orread from a disk card, or other hardware storage medium that may beinserted or linked with the music player 200.

In one embodiment, the LED 202, touch screen 204 and speaker 206 may beused individually or in combination to alert a wireless user, such asuser 102 of FIG. 1, that communication is being received by a wirelessdevice, such as wireless device 104 of FIG. 1. The LED 202 may flash orlight up when a call, text message, chat, or email is incoming. In oneembodiment, the touch screen 204 may display the name, associatedpicture, and number of a calling party. However, the touch screen 204may display caller identification information or other text suitable toindicate that communication is being received and may inform the user ofthe identity of the calling party. The touch screen 204 may also flashor change colors indicating communications are incoming to the wirelessdevice.

The touch screen 204 may be configured to receive user input and displayinformation and prompts to the user for the operation of the musicplayer 200. In particular, the touch screen 204 may display the name oridentification of a person sending a chat, text, or email message to theuser. The touch screen 204 may further display portions of the text,chat, or email message, such as a subject or text of the message. In yetanother embodiment, the user may establish pictures, files, ring tones,alerts, or other information that is to be displayed or played throughthe speaker 208 or headphones to the user. For example, when a call isbeing received by a wireless device lined with the music player 200, themusic player 200 may continue normal operation while flashing a pictureof the person calling and vibrating to indicate a call is incoming.

In one embodiment, the music player 200 may receive an indication of anincoming communication from the wireless device. As described the alertmay be played, displayed, or activated in any number of ways. In manycases, the user may be listening to the music player 200 when theindication of an incoming communication is received. As a result, themusic player 200 may interrupt the music, video, or media being playedor displayed to the user so that alert may be clearly heard or viewed bythe user. For example, if the user is watching a music video, the musicplayer 200 may mute the sound of the music video and play the alertthrough the speaker 206 or through attached headphones. Alternatively,the music player 200 may pause or stop the music video and flash avisual alert that a party is calling as well as playing an audio messagethat “Johnny is calling”. In other words, the music player 200 may cutoff the track or media to play and/or display the alert.

In another embodiment, the alert overlay the music or media beingplayed. For example, the alert may be played at an increased volumelevel above the music from a music video and an alert may be flashed onall or part of the touch screen 204. In another example, the volume ofthe music player may be reduced so that an alert played at a normalvolume may be distinguished by the user. A visual portion of the alertmay also be played semi-transparently over the music video so that thealert is distinguishable without completely interrupting the mediacontent. The alert and media playback or display may be audibly orvisually mixed for effectively alerting the user of the incomingcommunication.

The speaker 206 may be an audio playback device that may be used to playa tone, prompt, ring tone, or other audio signal to the user indicatingthat communication is incoming to the wireless device. The speaker 206may be used to play an incoming communication alert or a separationalarm in conjunction with the other notification mechanisms of the musicplayer 200. The music player 200 may allow the user to set a volume forthe speaker 206 based on the user's needs or preferences. For example,the volume may dynamically increase or decrease the longer the alertsare sent to the music player 200. As previously described, the musicplayer 200 may include a jack or port for headphones, ear buds, or otherdevices suitable for playing music to the user.

The music player 200 may include a strap, clip, or other attachment forsecuring the music player 200 to the user's person. The differentelements of the music player 200 may be used to customize how and whenthe user receives an alert regarding communication incoming to thewireless device. The music player 200 is particularly suited to thepurpose of alerting the user because many users utilize music playersvery frequently or have them in close proximity at any given time. Themusic player 200 may include a port or connections for connecting with adocking station in a home or vehicle. Alerts played by the music player200 may be communicated through speakers, a television, stereo, globalpositioning system, entertainment center, or other similar device whenthe music player 200 is docked. For example, when the music player 200is docked within a vehicle and determines a call is incoming to thewireless device, the music player 200 may show a name and picture of theperson calling and play a message through a heads-up display and thespeaker system of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a music player in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The music player 300 may include the elementsof the music player 200 of FIG. 2. In addition, the music player 300 mayfurther include a clip 302, a button 304, and a dial 306.

The clip 302 may be a hinged or stationary mechanism for securing themusic player 300 to the user's clothing, wireless ringer cradle, or apersonal carrier. As a result, the user may use the clip 302 to secureor unsecure the music player 300 in order to ensure that the user may bealerted of incoming communications to the wireless device. For example,the clip 302 may be used to easily move the music player 300 from astrap of a carrier to a lapel or pocket of a shirt or blouse. The clip302 allows the music player 300 to be dynamically positioned as needed.

The button 304 and the dial 306 may be used to provide user input andset user preferences and alerts for the music player 300. In oneembodiment, the dial 306 may be used to adjust the volume of thewireless ringer. In another embodiment, the button 304 may be used tosend a control signal to the wireless device to place an incoming callon hold or to send a default text message to the calling or messagingparty. The button 304 and dial 306 may be used to receive numerous typesof user input from the user based on changing circumstances and needs ofthe user with respect to the music player 300. In particular, the button304 and dial 306 may be used to activate, control, engage, or use thefeatures of the wireless device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a bracelet embedded with a wirelessringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The wirelessringer environment 400 of FIG. 4 may include a wrist 402, a wirelessringer 404, a bracelet 406, a perimeter light 408, a speaker 410, alight-emitting diode 412, and a text display 414. The wireless ringer404 is a particular implementation of the wireless ringer 106 of FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the wireless ringer 404 may integrated with thebracelet 406 in order to allow the user to wear the wireless ringer 404as a form of jewelry. The bracelet 406 provides the user the flexibilityto physically wear the wireless ringer 404 on the wrist 402 or ankle inorder to alert the user when communications are incoming to a wirelessdevice.

The wireless ringer 404 and the bracelet 406 may be fashionably designedso that the user feels comfortable wearing the wireless ringer 404 as afashion accessory or as part of the user's apparel. As a result, thewireless ringer 404 may be positioned so that the alert may be easilydetected by the user. For example, when the wireless ringer 404 is wornon the wrist 402, a vibration alert may promptly alert the user that amobile call is incoming to a cell phone. Alternatively, the speaker 410,light-emitting diode 412, and text display 414 may use multiple effortsor types of alerts to inform the user of incoming communications.

The wireless ringer 404 may include the perimeter light 408. Theperimeter light 408 may light up as well when communications areincoming. In one embodiment, the perimeter light 408 may allow the alertto be more easily seen by the user. In another embodiment, the wirelessringer 404 may have an internal light and may be housed in a clear ortranslucent case for allowing the entire wireless ringer 404 to light upwhen communication is incoming. Alternatively, the LED 412 and textdisplay 414 may flash or light up with any number of lights or colorschemes. For example, different colors may be used to indicate the typeof communication being received by the wireless device.

In another embodiment, the wireless ringer 404 may be snapped into,attached, or otherwise mountable and removable from the bracelet 406.The wireless ringer 404 and/or the bracelet 406 may include a securingmechanism, such as a magnet, clip, sliding mount, or attachment tabs forattaching or inserting the wireless ringer 404 in the bracelet. Thebracelet 406 may be configured for use with or without the wirelessringer 404. In other words, the appearance and design of the braceletwill be functional and aesthetically pleasing regardless of whether thewireless ringer 404 has been attached or connected. In one example, theuser may be going to a party and will be stowing her cellular telephonein her purse even though she expects an important phone call. As aresult, the user may snap the wireless ringer 404 into the bracelet inorder to receive an alert through the speaker 410, text display 414, ora vibrator of the wireless ringer 404. The bracelet 406 may include agem, decoration, or other feature that may be snapped into the port,receptacle, mount, or position intended for the wireless ringer 404 whenthe wireless ringer 404 is not attached.

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram of an earring embedded with a wirelessringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The wirelessringer environment 500 of FIG. 5 may include an ear 502, an earring 504,wireless ringers 506 and 508, a speaker 510, and a vibrator 512. Asshown, the wireless ringer 506 may be attached to the earring 504. Thewireless ringer 508 has not been attached to an earring. In oneembodiment, the user may attach the wireless ringer 506 to the earring504. The user may attach the wireless ringer 508 or a dummy wirelessringer in the other ear so that the earrings match. Wireless ringers maybe used in sets of one or more based on the need and potential usage.For example, the wireless ringer 508 may be attached to another earring,to a ring, watch, necklace, or the bracelet 406 of FIG. 4.

The wireless ringers 506 and 508 may be configured so that they appearto be only ornamental or decorative in design. In other words, thefunctionality of the wireless ringers 506 and 508 may be hidden. Thewireless ringer 506 may include the speaker 510 and the vibrator 512 fordiscretely advising the user of an incoming call. The speaker 510 may bepositioned to play an alert that may be heard only by the ear 502 of theuser. Additionally, only the user may be able to sense when the vibrator512 is activated indicating the wireless device has an incomingcommunication. The wireless ringers may be alternatively mounted withinor attached to other personal accessories including, but not limited to,a wallet, ring, necklace, coin, key chain, name tag, hair clip, cufflinks, tie tack, pendant, pen, buttons, and other similar personaleffects. The wireless ringers 506 and 508 may have different colorschemes and configurations for matching the clothing, personality, andintended purpose of the wireless ringers 506 and 508. The wirelessringers 506 and 508 may include a battery, capacitor, piezo-electricgenerator, or other device suitable for providing the power necessary topower the wireless ringers 506 and 508. The wireless ringers 506 and 508may be charged or have a battery replaced while they are connected to apair of earrings or may need to be removed to be charged.

FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of a pair of glasses embedded with awireless ringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Theglasses 600 of FIG. 6 may include a wireless ringer 602. As used herein,the glasses 600 may be prescription glasses, reading glasses,sunglasses, safety goggles, a visor, a helmet, or other similar eyeenhancement or protection device.

As previously described, the wireless ringer 602 may be an integrated orbuilt-in portion of the glasses. Alternatively, the user may attach orinsert the wireless ringer 602 to each pair of glasses as needed. Thewireless ringer 602 may notify the user of communications as describedin FIG. 5. In addition, the remote wireless ringer 602 may use a visualcue or display that is directed toward one or more eyes of the user. Thevisual alert or message may be visible in the corner of the user's eye,pointed directly at the user's eye, or reflected off a lens or surfaceto be seen by the user. For example, the wireless ringer 602 may reflecta light message, picture, or particular color of lenses of the glasses600 to indicate who is calling the user's wireless device. In oneembodiment, the glasses 600 may be configured to reflect the light ormay include specialized lenses to display or reflect a message displayedby the wireless ringer 602.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of a headset and wireless ringer card inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The headset 700 of FIG. 7may include a wireless ringer port 702 and a wireless ringer 704. In oneembodiment, the wireless ringer 704 may be a card, adapter, or otherunit that may be inserted into another electronic device, such as theheadset 700.

The headset 700 includes the wireless ringer port 702 as a receptaclefor the wireless ringer 704. The wireless ringer port 702 is configuredto receive the wireless ringer 704 and integrate its functionality withthat of the headset 700. In one embodiment, the headset 700 may powerthe wireless ringer 704. In another embodiment, the wireless ringer 704may be a self-contained and operating unit.

The wireless ringer 704 may include contacts, communication ports,docking elements, or other communications and integration mechanisms forcommunicating information, messages, or alerts to the headset 700. Forexample, once the wireless ringer 704 is inserted in the wireless ringerport 702 of the headset 700, an incoming call alert and incoming textmessage alert may be played through the speakers of the headset 700 tothe user. The wireless ringer 704 may be similarly used with musicplayers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, handheld gamingand entertainment devices, and other devices suitable for integratingfunctionality with the wireless ringer 704.

By inserting the wireless ringer 704 into the headset 700, the user maybe able to receive alerts even when listening to loud music. Thewireless ringer 704 may use any of the methods or systems hereindescribed for extending alerts, alerting the user, and otherwiseconveying information about communications with a wireless device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a wireless ringer in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The wireless ringer 800 is a particularimplementation of the wireless ringer 106 of FIG. 1. The wireless ringer800 may include various internal components which may include aprocessor 802, communications transceiver 804, memory 806, a speaker608, a vibrator 810, a text display 812, and a user interface 814. Thememory 806 may further include user preferences 816 and ringer settings818.

The processor 802 may be a processing unit used to process signalsreceived from the wireless device through the communications transceiver804. The processor 802 may also be logical components for implementingthe features of the wireless ringer 800. The processor 802 may controlthe functionality inter-operation of the various elements of thewireless ringer 800. For example, the processor may execute a set ofinstructions to implement the features and functionality of the wirelessringer 800. The wireless ringer 800 may include other hardware andsoftware elements used by communication devices and data processingsystems not explicitly described herein. The wireless device incommunication with the wireless ringer 800 may include added software orhardware for controlling, interfacing, or otherwise additionallycommunicating with the wireless ringer 800 to perform any number ofcommunication implementations and features.

The communications transceiver 804 may be the transmitter and receiverused to establish the wireless connection between the wireless ringer800 and the wireless device. For example, the communications transceiver804 may include an antenna and Bluetooth circuitry for communicatingwith the wireless device. Alternatively, the communications transceiver804 may communicate with the wireless device using any number of radiofrequencies or wireless control signals for sending data and/or controlsignals over the wireless connection. The communications transceiver 804may alert the processor when the wireless connection has been severed ora separation distance exceeded for activating a separation alarm throughthe different user notification mechanisms of the wireless ringer.

The communications transceiver 804 may also allow the wireless ringer800 to be integrated with an electronic personal accessory, such as aheadset or a music player. The communications transceiver 804 mayinclude the contacts, wiring, software, and other elements that allowthe wireless ringer 800 and another electronic device to communicateand/or integrate functionality. In one preferred embodiment, thewireless ringer 800 is an integrated part of a media player, such as anmp3 player, CD player, DVD player, or other media playback device.

The memory 806 may be an electronic storage medium for savinginstructions for execution by the processor 802. For example, theinstructions stored in the memory 806 may detail logic, programs, orcode that dictate the functionality of the wireless ringer 800 and howeach of the different components interacts with one another and with theuser. The user preferences 816 may establish preferences set by thewireless user for operation of the wireless ringer 800. For example, theuser preferences 816 may establish when the threshold distance(s) isused to activate the separation alarm.

Instructions or software within the memory 806 may also detail how thewireless ringer 800 interacts when integrated or connected to anotherelectronic device or personal accessory. In one embodiment, the ringersettings 818 may be configured to vibrate when the wireless ringer 800is embedded within a bracelet. In another example, the ringer settings818 and user preferences 816 may be configured to play an alert throughthe speaker, headphones, and display of an mp3 player when the wirelessringer 800 is inserted as a card in the mp3 player. The user preferences816 and ringer settings 818 may store additional data and user settingsfor when the wireless ringer 800 is attached to another device,electronic or otherwise.

The ringer settings 818 may establish how and when the user is alertedof incoming communication received by the wireless device. The ringersettings 818 may include any number of default and custom ring tones,sounds, prompts, chirps, and other audio indicators that may be used asan alert. The ringer settings 818 may also specify a default volumelevel for the wireless ringer 800. The ringer settings 818 or the userpreferences 816 may indicate whether the speaker 608, vibrator 810, ortext display 812 is used as an alert to indicate a message incoming tothe wireless device. The ringer settings 818 and user preferences 816may be integrated in the user preferences 816 storing information andpreferences regarding the operation and functionality of the wirelessringer 800. For example, the ringer settings 818 may control whethermedia functions of the media player/wireless ringer 800 are altogetherinterrupted, mixed, or overlaid to play an alert of incomingcommunications to a wireless device.

As previously discussed, different forms or types of communication maybe associated with the speaker 608, vibrator 810 and text display 812.The ringer settings 818 may also control the default settings for thespeaker 608, vibrator 810, and text display 812. For example, thespeaker 608 may be set to gradually increase in volume each time thewireless device rings and the wireless ringer 800 is informed of theincoming call through the communications transceiver 804. In anotherexample, the vibrator 810 may vibrate once or in a series to indicate tothe user that communication is incoming to the wireless device. Theringer settings 818 may also establish how and what information may bedisplayed in the text display 812 based on the type of incomingcommunication to the wireless device, the sending or calling party, anduser preferences. The ringer settings 818 and user preferences 816 maybe synchronized or downloaded from the wireless device. For example, theringer settings 818 may ensure that ring tones or other alerts availableon the wireless device are downloaded to the memory 806 of the wirelessringer 400.

The user interface 814 may be an implementation of the button 304 anddial 306 of FIG. 3. Alternatively, the user interface 814 may be a touchscreen, touch display, scroll wheel, pointer, or other device thatallows the user to provide user input. The functionality, instructions,and preferences of the wireless ringer 800 may be input by a user usingthe user interface 814 or may be received from the wireless device bythe wireless transceiver 404. The user interface 814 and/or text display812 may also be able to project text, colors, and images for display tothe user. For example, if the wireless ringer 800 is embedded in a pairof glasses, the ringer settings 818 may establish that the text display812 flashes a message or visual alert that is only discernible to thewearer of the glasses.

The wireless ringer 800 may be shaped or otherwise configured to beembedded, inserted, or connected to another electronic device orpersonal accessory. As a result, the wireless ringer 800 may be astand-alone, card, or other device that may be integrated with differentdevices and accessories as herein described. In one embodiment, thewireless ringer 800 is specially shaped to snap into a piece of jewelry.In another embodiment, the wireless ringer 800 is specially shaped to beslidably mounted or inserted into personal accessories, such as a pairof sunglasses or a music player. The wireless ringer 800 may include arelease or locking mechanism for ensuring that the wireless ringer 800is not accidentally separated from the personal accessory.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for using a wireless ringer inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process of FIG. 9 may beimplemented by a user with access to a wireless ringer and a wirelessdevice. The process of FIG. 9 may be initiated to allow the wirelessringer to function with the wireless device to indicate a call orcommunication is incoming to the wireless device.

The process may begin with the user connecting the wireless ringer to apersonal accessory (step 900). The wireless ringer may be inserted,attached, linked, embedded, or otherwise connected to the personalaccessory. The personal accessory may take any number of forms aspreviously described including, but not limited to, music players,glasses, jewelry, or other items used, worn, or carried by a user. Byattaching the wireless ringer to the personal accessory, the user mayintegrate the functionality of the devices. For example, if the personalaccessory is an mp3 player, the mp3 player may play alerts through theheadphones, light up the display, or perform other wireless ringerfunctions of the wireless ringer. In another embodiment, the wirelessringer may be hardware or software integrated with a media player. Forexample, the user may activate a wireless ringer function of an mp3player to implement the process of FIG. 9.

The wireless ringer may include leads, ports, wires, or othercommunication means for communicating with electronically equippedpersonal accessories when connected. The personal accessory or wirelessringer itself may be configured with a latch, tabs, magnet,spring-loaded release button, or other securing mechanism so that thewireless ringer is not accidentally removed or jostled free of thepersonal accessory. The personal accessory may include a port,receptacle, bay, indentation, or other connection mechanism forreceiving the wireless ringer.

Next, the user establishes a wireless connection between the wirelessringer and a wireless device (step 902). The wireless connection may beany type of wireless signal, communication session or link or protocolfor exchanging control signals or data. The wireless connection may beencoded or encrypted to prevent outside parties from knowingcommunication is incoming to the wireless device. In one example, thelink may be a Bluetooth connection. In one embodiment, the user mayplace the wireless device in a selection or search mode in order toestablish the link between the wireless device and wireless ringer. Theuser may also manually program each device to connect with one another.The wireless device and wireless ringer may also automatically connectwith one another once activated. For example, when turned on, thewireless device may be configured to actively search for the wirelessringer. The wireless device may constantly or periodically search for asignal from the wireless ringer. The wireless connection or link ensuresthat the wireless device may communicate with the wireless ringer forringing the wireless ringer when a communication is received by thewireless device. In one embodiment, an electronic device in which thewireless ringer is integrated or connected may establish the wirelessconnection with the wireless device.

Next, the user sets an alert and user preferences for the wirelessringer (step 904). In one embodiment, the wireless ringer may includedefault settings and user preferences so that step 904 may not benecessary unless selected by a user. For example, the wireless ringermay by default automatically use the ring selected for the wirelessdevice. Alternatively, if the user has selected a custom ring tone, thatring tone may be communicated to the wireless ringer so that when a callis received, the wireless ringer plays the custom ring tone as thealert. In another embodiment, the user may set the wireless ringer tovibrate, light up, or display a text or calling number as the alert. Theuser preferences and ringer settings may define how and when the alertor separation alarm is played by the wireless ringer, volume, alertsettings for each type of communication and other configurations,features, and preferences of the wireless ringer. The wireless ringermay include any number of buttons, scroll wheels, knobs, or otherinterfaces for receiving the user input that may be required for steps902 and 904.

Next, the user may position the wireless ringer to alert the user of anincoming communication (step 906) with the process terminatingthereafter. The wireless ringer may include a clip, straps, magnet,cradle, or other securing means for attaching the wireless ringer toclothing, purse, bag, or other location in which the user may be able toreceive the alert from the wireless ringer. In one embodiment, thewireless ringer may be decorated to appear or integrate as a clothing orfashion accessory. For example, the wireless ringer may be worn as abroach or a cuff link. The user may secure the wireless device in apurse or bag with the assurance that he/she may still be notified ofincoming calls through the wireless ringer. The wireless ringer may beintegrated, embedded or connected to a personal accessory such asearrings, necklace, sunglasses, wallet, tie tack headphones, musicplayer, pendant, or other personal item for subtly indicating that acommunication is being received by the wireless device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for implementing communication usinga wireless ringer in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Theprocess of FIG. 10 may be implemented by a wireless device 1002 and awireless ringer 1004. The process begins with the wireless device 1002receiving an incoming call (step 1006). The incoming call of step 1006may be a voice, text, chat, email, or other message.

Next, the wireless device 1002 sends a ring signal to the wirelessringer (step 1008). The wireless ringer 1004 receives the ring signalfrom the wireless device (step 1010). The ring signal may be sent andreceived in steps 1008 and 1010 through a wireless connection orwireless link established between the wireless device 1002 and thewireless ringer 1004. The ring signal in steps 1008 and 1010 may be acontrol signal indicating that communication is incoming to the wirelessdevice 1002. In one embodiment, the ring signal may not include anydata, but rather the ring signal may strictly control the operation ofthe wireless ringer. In another embodiment, the ring signal may includedata regarding the type, sender, or content of the incomingcommunication that may be displayed or otherwise conveyed through thewireless ringer to the user. The ring signal of step 1010 may alsospecify an alert that may be used by the wireless ringer 1004 to informthe user of the type of communication being received by the wirelessdevice 1002. For example, if a text message is received, the ring signalmay indicate that the wireless ringer 1004 is to beep twice insuccession.

In one embodiment, the wireless ringer 1004 may be integrated with amedia player. For example, the wireless ringer 1004 may be hardware andsoftware within an mp3 player. Once the ring signal is received in step1010, user preferences may specify how an alert may be played,displayed, or activated to inform the user that the wireless device 1002is receiving an incoming communication. In particular, the user may beable to set preferences or criteria for interrupting, mixing, oroverlaying media playback. For example, based on caller identificationinformation the wireless ringer 1004 may be set to interrupt theplayback of a move or music to play and display an alert to the userthrough the display, headphones, and/or a speaker. In another example,the wireless ringer 1004 may only overlay the alert or mix the alertwith the media content being output to the user so that the user may bealerted to the incoming communication without interrupting the playbackof media content.

Next, the wireless ringer 1004 plays an alert to the user (step 1012).In one embodiment, the alert of step 1012 may be a pre-selected ringtone. In another embodiment, the alert may be one or more vibrationsimplemented by the wireless ringer 1004. In yet another embodiment, thewireless ringer 1004 may flash an LED or other light indicator and atext indicator indicating who and what is being communicated to thewireless device 1002. In one embodiment, the wireless ringer 1004 may beembedded or integrated with another device. As a result, the alert maybe played or displayed by the one or more interconnected devices.Alternatively, the user preferences for the type of device may establishhow the alert is played to the user in step 1012.

Next, the wireless device 1002 processes the call normally (step 1014).The user may select to retrieve the wireless device to answer theincoming communication or respond to it. Alternatively, the user mayignore the incoming communication to the wireless device 1002. In eithercase, the call may be processed normally by allowing the user to answera voice call without interference from the wireless ringer 1004. In theevent the user ignores the wireless device 1002, the unanswered call maybe processed by voicemail the same as any other unanswered call. Text,chat, and email messages remain new until accessed or viewed by the useron the wireless device 1002. During step 1014, the wireless ringer 1004with an integrated media player may return to normal functionality afterplaying the alert in step 1012.

The wireless ringer 1004 independently determines whether the wirelessconnection is severed (step 1014). The wireless connection or link isthe communication session established for exchanging data 1016 orcontrol signals between the wireless device 1002 and the wireless ringer1004. If the wireless connection is not severed in step 1016, thewireless ringer continues to determine whether the wireless connectionhas been severed (step 1016). As a result, the wireless ringer 1004 isconstantly determining the status of the wireless connection while thewireless connection is active.

If the wireless connection has been severed in step 1016, the wirelessringer 1004 plays a separation alarm (step 1018). The separation alarmmay alert the user that the wireless connection is severed or that thewireless device 1002 is separated from the wireless ringer 1004 by athreshold distance. The separation alarm may also be a tone, ring,verbal alert, tactile response, flashing light(s), or other suitablemeans or mechanisms for obtaining the attention of the user and alertingthe user that the wireless connection has been severed for whateverreason. The separation alarm may be particularly useful if the wirelessdevice 1002 is stolen or is about to be accidentally lost. In oneexample, the user may be able to specify how and when the separation,distance, or proximity alarm is activated. This user information mayspecify how the determination of step 1016 is made.

The illustrative embodiments allow the user to receive notification ofincoming communication through a wireless ringer. As a result, a usermay feel secure in storing or otherwise securing the wireless devicebecause the user is assured that, regardless of the position orinaccessibility of the wireless device, the user will still be able tobe notified that communication is incoming. The wireless ringer may bepositioned by the user for maximum effect. Default settings orcustomized alerts and user preferences may be used to effectivelyprovide the desired alerts.

In another embodiment, the wireless ringer may be configured, set, orused to send a predefined response message to the caller or sender of anincoming communication. For example, when the alert of the wirelessringer is activated, the user may press a button on the wireless ringerto send a response message stating “My phone is out-of-reach so I willcall or email you shortly.”

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

1. A method for extending alerts for a wireless device, comprising:linking a media player equipped with a wireless ringer and a wirelessdevice through a wireless connection; interrupting playback of mediacontent on the media player to play an alert in response to the wirelessringer receiving an indication of an incoming communication from thewireless device, the wireless ringer being enabled to overlay theplayback with the alert during the interrupting in response to userpreferences; and playing the alert on the media player in response tointerrupting playback of the media content in order to inform a user ofthe incoming communication.
 2. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe media player is a music player and connecting further comprises:integrating functionality of the wireless ringer and the music player;and receiving user input selecting an alert for the wireless ringer. 3.The method according to claim 2 further comprising: inserting thewireless ringer into a port of the media player.
 4. The method accordingto claim 3, wherein the wireless ringer is a card, and wherein the mediaplayer is any of a CD player, a portable radio, an mp3 player, a DVDplayer, a video player, and earphones.
 5. The method according to claim3, wherein inserting further comprises: connecting the wireless ringerto a port of the personal accessory, wherein the personal accessorysecures the wireless ringer.
 6. The method according to claim 1, whereinplaying the alert further comprises: displaying the alert visually,audibly, or using a tactile indicator, wherein the wireless ringerutilizes different types of alerts for different types ofcommunications.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wirelessringer is a software module store in a memory of the media playerconfigured utilize the features of the media player to display the alertand set finger the user preferences.
 8. The method according to claim 1,further comprising: sending a pre-defined message to the wireless devicefor communication to a communicating party in response to a userselection from the wireless ringer wherein the playback may includeaudio, video, or audio and video.
 9. The method according to claim 1,docking the media player to a secondary device, wherein the alerting isperformed by the secondary device.
 10. A media player, comprising: atransceiver configured to establish a wireless connection with awireless device; a memory configured to store a plurality of alerts anduser preferences; a speaker configured to play one of the plurality ofalerts, wherein the plurality of alerts informs a user of the incomingcommunication in order to allow the user to access the wireless deviceto respond to the incoming communication; a vibrator configured tovibrate as one of the plurality of alerts; and a text display configuredto visually display the plurality of alerts, the media player beingenabled to interrupt playback of the media content with the alert andoverlay the playback of the media content with the alert in response toa selection in the user preferences.
 11. The media player according toclaim 10, further comprising: a port configured to receive a remotewireless ringer and integrate functionality.
 12. The media playeraccording to claim 11, wherein the remote wireless ringer is a card thatmay be inserted in the port of the media player.
 13. The media playeraccording to claim 10, wherein a remote wireless ringer is integratedwith the media player and comprises the transceiver and the memory andworks in conjunction with the speaker, the vibrator, and the textdisplay of the media player.
 14. The media player according to claim 13,wherein an exterior shape is configured for compatibility andcommunication with a docking station.
 15. The media player according toclaim 10, wherein the memory further comprises: user preferencesconfigured to specify how the alert interrupts playback of media contentas the alert is received.
 16. The media player according to claim 15,further comprising: a user interface configured to receive user inputfor establishing the user preferences.